Who Is A “Good Person?” New Years Day I was window shopping in a large suburban mall. I saw a new store. I’ve never seen it before. “The Be A Good Person Store.” Think about it for a moment. The store (and its web site) sells tee shirts, sweatshirts and other clothes that all display the imperative “Be A Good Person.” Streaming past the store were hundreds of people of many kinds. I wondered what the owners of the store... Read more

Either For Or Against Capital Punishment President Joe Biden recently commuted the sentences of about thirty federal prison inmates on death row. Reducing their sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, he let three death row inmates’ death sentences stand. News reports said Biden is opposed to the death penalty. I propose that one cannot really be “opposed to the death penalty” and make exceptions—supporting the execution of even one person. Another example is Israel’s condemnation... Read more

False But Inspiring? Can It BE? One characteristic of liberal theology (but not unique to it) is the idea that the Bible is only (or especially) “our sacred stories” but not historically true. Of course, that is referring to the histories contained in the Bible—stories of what purportedly actually happened. It’s not referring to proverbs or psalms or parables. The claim is that an account purporting to tell something that really happened can be fictional but inspiring. That is my... Read more

Why I Wrote Against Liberal Theology I recently announced a new book discussion here—beginning around January 20–to give everyone time to order and receive the book (Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity [Zondervan]). I’m already receiving some predictable responses that call for explanation of the book. For many years I have put up with people, especially Christians, misusing the label “liberal” in conversations about theology. What most people don’t know is that liberal theology is a tradition;... Read more

Final Thoughts about Cremer’s Book “The Christian Doctrine of the Divine Attributes” Now I bring to a close my posted thoughts about the book some of us have been reading together. I have now read the entire book including 5: The Unity of the Divine Attributes, or the Glory of God (pp. 82-84), the final section. I will, of course, offer my thoughts in response to some questions and comments by you. If you have read the book, you may... Read more

R.I.P. Jimmy Carter Former US president Jimmy Carter passed away at age 100. Unlike most Americans, I was alive and old enough to vote when he ran for president and won in 1976. I voted for his rival, President Gerald Ford. I don’t remember why. There was a lot of talk about Carter among family members and church friends. (I was in seminary and served as assistant pastor at an independent evangelical church.) People admired his evangelical faith and sincerity,... Read more

Advent vs. Christmas This year, 2024, Christmas and Hanukkah fell on the same calendar day. (Except, of course, for Eastern Christians who celebrate Christmas somewhat later.) Many Jews celebrate December 25 every year—as a “Winter Holiday.” But they would not identify Hanukkah and Christmas—even this year. Although they fell on the same day, they were two distinct holidays. I suggest that serious Christians make a similar mental shift about December 25 and the season leading up to it. We celebrate... Read more